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Main definitions of prunella in English

prunella1

noun

A plant of a genus that includes self-heal. Several kinds are cultivated as ground cover and rock garden plants.

‘Prunella vulgaris [also known as self heal] is a perennial plant found in China, the British Isles, Europe, and North America.’

‘It is said in the Materia Medica that prunella can best treat scrofula, disperses Knotted Qi and has the effect of tonifying the blood vessels of the Jueyin, but there is no discussion on its ability to eliminate the Cold and Heat.’

‘Prunella is the name given to a small yet hearty herb found throughout Europe, Asia and other temperate regions. The plant goes by a variety of names, including self-heal, carpenter's weed and sicklewort.’

Origin

Modern Latin, literally quinsy in medieval Latin brunella, diminutive of brunus brown denoting a disease causing a brown coating on the tongue. Self-heal was a reputed cure for the disease.

Pronunciation:

prunella

/pro͞oˈnelə/

Main definitions of prunella in English

prunella2

noun

A strong silk or worsted twill fabric used formerly for legal robes and the uppers of women's shoes.

‘Prunella, from the French prunelle, which means plum, [is] a stout worsted material named from its color, which is a purplish shade similar to that of a ripe plum. The name was originally applied to a kind of lasting of which clergymen's gowns were made.’

‘A smile of pleasure lighted up the Stranger's face when his eye fell on Caroline, her neat feet shod in plum-colored prunella gaiters.’

Origin

Mid 17th century: perhaps from French prunelle sloe (because of its dark color).